Knee Replacement

This information has been compiled to help and inform you of your proposed operation. We believe that a patient who is well informed is better able to participate in his or her own care during their hospital stay. This ensures that you will gain full benefit from your joint replacement surgery.

It is a good idea to share this information with your family and friends before you come to hospital, so together you can plan your smooth return home for your rehabilitation period.

The material is designed to provide general and helpful information on the subjects discussed. It is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition or to override any advice given to you by your treating physician. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem you should consult your own physician and not rely upon this information.

Australian Health Service Alliance Limited and its participating health insurance funds will not accept any responsibility for any injury, loss or damage occasioned to you from reliance on the information provided.

What is a Knee Replacement?

Expected length of stay 3-7 days

Knee replacement is performed for severe arthritis of the knee causing disabling pain.

It is designed to replace the knee joint that has been damaged, usually by arthritis.

Arthritis occurs when the articular cartilage or smooth gristle coating wears away on the bone surface, exposing the underlying bone, causing roughness and distortion to the joint.

Before Going To Hospital

After your knee replacement you will have to take extra care whilst moving around for the first few months.

It is a good idea to share this information with your family and friends before you come to hospital, so together you can plan your smooth return home for your rehabilitation period.

Preparing your home

• An occupational therapist may discuss suitable seating and bed height. • Rearrange furniture to give yourself enough room to manoeuvre with a walker or crutches • Get a good chair – one that is firm, and has arm rests to help you get up • Remove loose carpets and rearrange electrical cords in the areas where you will be walking.

Equipment needed at home

Prior to discharge home you may need the following items in place

Suitable arm chair – one that is not too low and suitable to get out of

Raised toilet seat to help getting off the toilet

Shower chair

Long handled dressing aids – long handled shoe horn, pick up stick

You can prepare for this time by completing the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) with your care team prior to going into hospital, to see your most likely discharge destination. Council or private meals and home help may make your transition home smoother. You may require some physiotherapy once you leave hospital either in the community or at home.

Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) is an innovative and evidence-based service provided in your own home. It is suitable for people who require additional rehabilitation needs but can safely receive this at home. RITH offers short term, multidisciplinary, goal orientated therapy which helps you reach your maximum potential, regain independence where possible and improve your quality of life. Some people may require an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation hospital, however most people will successfully transition back to their own home without this. Your care team at the hospital will decide which is most appropriate for you.

For further information concerning Rehabilitation in the Home providers (RITH) please contact your health fund.

In Hospital

During your hospital stay you may progress faster or slower than the optimal recovery course. Additional services or supports may be required. The table below outlines the optimal recovery course and will give you some information on the various steps you will need to progress through prior to safely progressing home.

Journey to Home

After Hospital

Everyday activities

When dressing your lower limbs, dress the operated leg first and undress it last.

To put on your socks, pants, stockings and shoes you will require dressing aids to pull them over and along your operated leg.

Exercises:

Regular exercises to restore your normal knee motion and strength and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery.

Your surgeon and physiotherapist may recommend that you exercise 20 to 30 minutes three times a day: morning, afternoon and night.

Sit to stand

Once your unoperated leg is on the floor, move to the edge of the bed or chair, bend the unoperated knee well back and push through your hands on the bed to stand up straight.

Keep the operated leg out in front until you are standing.

When standing from a chair, the chair should be firm with arms, not a swivel or rocking chair.

Arms are needed to aid in rising to a standing position.

Walking

You will require a walking aid to take home. The type will depend on your specific needs and will be assessed in conjunction with your physiotherapist.

Progression of your walking at home will be discussed with you by your surgeon and/or physiotherapist.

Following most total knee joint replacement operations you will be able to fully weight bear on your operated leg. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will inform you if this is not the case.